SCHEELITE PRODUCTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 20 February 1941, Page 6

SCHEELITE PRODUCTION

IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING MINISTER’S STATEMENT (United Press Association) Wellington, This Day. | The importance of increasing the production of scheelite in the Dominion was stressed by the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Mines, in a statement saying that satisfactory arrangements for the m. rketing of the whole of the ore have been completed with the Imperial Government and it was of paramount importance that the output should be accelerated because of the value of the mineral in the production of equipment directly associated with the war During 1940 approximately 75 tons were produced and exported, compared with 41 and 46 tons in the two previous years. He said that individual miners operating on a small scale had been subsidised and assisted with the purch. se of stores From this source approximately ten tons in addition to financial assistance had been granted other concerns working on a larger scale. The assistance was mainly for the purchase and erection of battery plant compressors, jack hammers and other gear Advances had also been made for development work in mines, for the improvement of roads and better access to some mines. Over £3OOO had been made available In this way. In the Marlborough area the department was operating a mine on its own ac’ount. Development had been difficult. because it was 1800 feet above sea level on the mountain side. Up to the end of January £2756 had been expended. Ore is at present being stored pending the installation of treatment plant Whatever assistance it is possible for the department to give to the industry will be made available beca c e the need for ore was now, not in five years’ time.